Fig 2. Ontogenetic variations in the expression pattern of the genes analyzed.

Transcriptional levels of genes from C. riparius involved in the ecdysone-related pathway (EcR, usp, E74 and vg), the folding and maturation of steroid hormone receptors (hsp70 and hsc70) and the synthesis of the ribosomal protein L13. Gene expression was measured from embryo to pupa stages of development. The mRNA values were calculated relative to actin, GAPDH and 26s as reference genes. Each bar is the mean ± SE obtained from four independent samples, each with three experimental replicates. A total of 4 egg masses and 20 larvae of each stage or phase were used. All the analyzed genes showed significant differences among the different stages (Fig 3).